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Karachi Food Vendors Serve Unique Haleem-Biryani Fusion Dish During Ramadan

In the bustling city of Karachi, Pakistan, food vendors are stirring up a unique and delicious fusion dish called haleem-biryani during the holy month of Ramadan. Haleem, a traditional Arab dish made with meat, wheat, and pulses, is slow-cooked in large pots until it forms a thick stew. Biryani, a beloved South Asian dish, combines flavorful rice with meat, vegetables, and spices. In recent years, people in Pakistan and India have developed a taste for the combination of haleem and biryani, and a few vendors in Karachi are capitalizing on this trend.

A Delicious Tradition

One of the most well-known stalls serving haleem-biryani is Hajji Salahuddin Kitchen, located in the Pan Mandi area near the Karachi City Courts. This family-owned business has been satisfying customers with this unique blend since 1952 during Ramadan. The rest of the year, the stall caters to weddings and other events. The owner, Jibran Salahuddin, explained that the tradition of serving haleem-biryani originated in India and was brought to Karachi by his family. They continue to follow this tradition every Ramadan as a way to honor their roots.

Another popular stall is run by Rehan Shikra, who proudly shares that his family has been serving the mixed dish for generations. The tradition began in Delhi, India, and has been carried on by Shikra’s grandfather, great-grandfather, father, and now himself. This saffron biryani topped with haleem is what Shikra’s family has been serving both in India and Pakistan since the birth of Pakistan in 1947.

The Rise of Haleem-Biryani

Although the haleem-biryani combination has been available for decades, its popularity skyrocketed in recent years thanks to social media and food bloggers. Customers like Zeeshan Amin, who heard about the dish through social media, have traveled a long way to experience this unique blend of flavors. Zeeshan praises the combination of haleem and biryani, noting that both dishes are made with beef and offer a delicious experience.

Student Muhammad Baseer initially found the concept of haleem-biryani strange but quickly changed his mind after trying it. He admits that he used to believe that haleem and biryani could not be paired together, but Salahuddin’s stall proved him wrong. Baseer now claims that the dish is not only good but also a great innovation.

A Fusion of Tastes

Loyal customers like Kashif Muhammad Anwar have been enjoying haleem-biryani for years. He appreciates the unique combination and claims that the taste cannot be found anywhere else. Anwar, along with other patrons, has helped spread the word about this dish, attracting customers from cities like Lahore. These food enthusiasts call Salahuddin’s stall inquiring about its location, only to be surprised that it’s in Karachi. Nevertheless, the vendors are always ready to serve anyone who is willing to travel for their mouthwatering haleem-biryani fusion.

With Ramadan in full swing, Karachi’s food scene is abuzz with the exciting haleem-biryani fusion. Don’t miss this chance to savor the unique blend of flavors and textures offered by these talented food vendors.

Source: Arab News